Imagine if you were a new visitor walking into Topeka First UMC for the first time on a Sunday morning. You've heard about the uplifting worship, the activities for kids, the adult classes, the fun celebrations--you are excited to see if there is a place for you at Topeka First UMC, but you are nervous about trying out a new faith community. When you walk into our giant building, would you know where to go for worship or Sunday School? Would you feel comfortable joining in the Coffee Connection time? Would you feel lost in the crowd? Would you know who to ask for help? 

Trying out a new church can be intimidating. That's why we are offering you the opportunity to be a Welcoming Ambassador on Sunday mornings. As an ambassador, you can help visitors feel at ease in a place where you already feel at home. Show them where to go, answer their questions, and be the friendly face that makes them glad they came. The time commitment is only one half-hour a month on Sunday mornings, stationed at the Connection Center in the Celebration Room. Please email Tiwana Whitten, Director of Adult Discipleship, for more details.

 

Last Sunday, we joyfully received Richard and Pam Martin into our church family when they officially became members at the 11 a.m. service. Please take the time to get to know Richard and Pam and help them feel at home in their new church. Remember the vow we all make each time new members join to support each other as we walk the path of discipleship.

 

Would you like to learn more about Topeka First United Methodist, take a tour of the church and learn about membership? Then come to Pizza with the Pastor on  Wednesday, July 11, 5:30-7 p.m.  in Room 105. So that we will have enough pizza and materials, please sign up by July 8 on our Church Connection Portal. Childcare is available by reservation--call Tiwana Whitten, Director of Adult Discipleship, if this is needed, at 785-233-8100.

If you ordered a new church shirt, you may pick it up from the church office during weekday office hours or on Sunday morning.

 

Phase 2 After Hours

Join fellow Boomers for a relaxing time of fellowship on Tuesday, July 10th at 5:15 p.m. in the upstairs dining area at The Pennant (915 S. Kansas Ave.) Phase 2 will provide some appetizers--you are on your own for beverages and other food items. Don't forget to bring some extra money if you want to try out the retro arcade games! Please sign up on the Church Connection Portal.

Pickleball

Boomer friends, during the summer months everyone is invited to meet at 6 p.m. on Sundays at Hughes Courts (725 SW Orleans) to play pickleball. If you would like to be on a contact list for a reminder text, please sign up on the Church Connection Portal. *Please note, we only meet for Pickleball if the heat index is below 95 degrees.

 

Do you ever use the term #adulting to describe your everyday triumphs, "grown up" decisions, or the surprisingly sensible way you chose to celebrate your latest birthday? Those who are too old for youth group, but too young Phase 2, will fit right in with #Adulting at Topeka First UMC! 

 

Invite a friend and beat the heat with us at our All-Church Pool Party on Sunday, July 22, 6-8 p.m. There is no cost  to jump in with the party at the Garfield Family Aquatic Center (1600 NE Quincy). We will provide water and juice packs--you provide the snacks! Please bring a (non melting) snack to share. Be ready for a refreshing time of fellowship. If you don't want to swim, no problem--just bring you lawn chair to sit poolside and visit.

Summer will be here before we know it, and with it will come changes to our worship schedule and plenty of opportunities for fellowship and fun.

Summer Worship

• 8:15 a.m. Traditional in the Chapel
• 9:30 a.m. Contemporary in Chapel
• 11:00 a.m. Traditional in Sanctuary

 

The Topeka District of the Great Plains Conference has arranged a covenant calendar to ensure all churches in our connection are held in prayer by the others. We pray for a different church each week. Check this newsletter for our next prayer covenant church, and join us in prayer for them as another church joins in prayer for us.

Prayer Covenant Church for the week:

Looking for a quiet and safe space to escape from the craziness of the week? Midweek Meditation 30 minutes of silence, reflection, prayer, and communion. We offer this time as a chance to reconnect and recharge every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. in the Chapel. All are welcome to this time of worship.

On Saturday, June 23, all are welcome to come help us decorate the church for the Summer Adventure Weekends. We will transform several places in the church into the great outdoors. You may drop in to help anytime between 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and come and go as you need.

 

• June 29 and 30: Rolling River Rampage Vacation Bible School
• Friday, June 29, 5-7:30 p.m.: Family Friday Night
• Saturday, June 30, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Nursery and Programming for 3-year-olds through 6th graders

• July 27 and 28: Summer Adventure Camp--Art, Science, Sports, and More!
• Friday July 27, 5-7:30 p.m.: Family Friday Night
• Saturday, July 28, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Nursery and Programming for 3-year-olds through 6th graders

Contact Allison Brewer, Director of Children's Discipleship, for more information and to volunteer!

 

Traditional Sunday school has paused for the summer. In its place, children will join their families for worship and have opportunities to help with different elements of worship. Families may pick up worship bulletins and activities at the entrances to the Chapel and Sanctuary. 

The nursery will remain open during all worship services for children 4 and younger.